The Excerpt

Teens are turning to AI for connection, with dangerous results Nov 14, 2025

Teenagers are increasingly using AI chatbots for friendship, emotional support, and even romance. When 14-year-old Soul Setzer III formed an intense bond with a character on Character AI, his mother didn’t know what was happening until it was too late. USA TODAY Wellness Reporter Alyssa Goldberg walks us through the lawsuit, the platform’s design, what her own testing revealed and new research showing how widespread — and risky — AI relationships have become for minors.

If you or someone you know needs mental health resources and support, please call, text or chat with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or visit 988lifeline.org for 24/7 access to free and confidential services.

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What drives us to carry out acts of kindness for total strangers? Nov 13, 2025

In honor of World Kindness Day — we’ve partnered with the Humankind team at USA TODAY for a deeper exploration on the topic of compassion. What drives us to carry out acts of kindness for total strangers and how can we actively cultivate this selflessness as a society? Abigail Marsh, Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at Georgetown University, joins The Excerpt to talk about empathy and altruism — why we help, even when it costs us.

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The government shutdown caused a lot of pain for Americans Nov 12, 2025

Nobody seems to have gotten everything they wanted out of the longest shutdown in U.S. history. Not the Democrats. Not the Republicans. And definitely not the American people whose healthcare premiums are set to dramatically rise in 2026, whose SNAP benefits aren't yet fully funded and whose air travel has been greatly disrupted. Was it worth it? USA TODAY Congress reporter Zach Schermele joins The Excerpt to talk through the fallout.

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Golden parachutes for failed college football coaches become the norm Nov 11, 2025

College football season this year is…. different. How so, you ask? It’s not just the breakout success of Indiana’s Hoosiers and the crushing disappointment of Penn State, although those are both noteworthy developments. It’s the golden parachutes being doled out to bad coaches from public schools. Some of the biggest parachutes we’ve so far include Penn State’s payout to coach James Franklin to the tune of $49 million dollars. We also have another big payout to Brian Kelly at LSU. So far across the country, we’re looking at millions in go-away payouts for failing college football coaches from public colleges, colleges where many students continue to take on exorbitant debt to earn a degree. Is this okay? USA TODAY Senior National College Football Writer Matt Hayes and USA TODAY Sports Project Reporter Steve “Berk” Berkowitz join USA TODAY’s The Excerpt to dig into all of it.

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Migrants are heading south now, not north Nov 10, 2025

After record highs in 2024, border crossings have collapsed. ICE raids, deportations and new asylum limits are now driving a wave of reverse migration. Arizona Republic Immigration Reporter Daniel González shares what he saw in Mexico and Panama — and what comes next.

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How an unlikely alliance saved the U.S. fishing industry Nov 07, 2025

It wasn’t so long ago that America’s fisheries were in a state of collapse, with cratering fish stocks and well-meaning but impractical government regulations threatening the livelihoods of 1.6 million people and a $180 billion dollar industry. But then, an unlikely alliance of environmental activists and commercial fishermen kind of miraculously turned things around, leaving the nation’s four million square miles of fishing grounds healthier -- and more profitable -- than they’ve been in decades. Buddy Guindon, a commercial fisherman on the Texas Gulf Coast, and Scott Hickman, a charter fisherman who once saw Buddy and his ilk as ruthless competitors for ever-more-elusive fish join The Excerpt to share their stories.

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Are Trump's tariffs legal? The Supreme Court hears arguments Nov 06, 2025

By imposing sweeping tariffs on foreign imports, President Donald Trump has turned US trade policy on its head. The question now before the Supreme Court is whether the president has the legal authority to increase tariffs without explicit congressional approval. Last month, President Trump said he might attend yesterday’s Supreme Court arguments in the case. He did not, but his statement underscores his investment here. Should he lose, the U.S. will have to return billions of dollars already collected, a logistical nightmare. USA TODAY Supreme Court Correspondent Maureen Groppe joins The Excerpt to discuss yesterday’s oral arguments in the case.

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Democrats escape the political wilderness with Mamdani win Nov 05, 2025

Zohran Mamdani’s victory in the Nov. 4 election not only makes him the leader of the Big Apple; It also turns him, for better or worse, into one of the most high-profile Democrats in the country.

New York mayors always command national attention because of their role running America’s biggest city. Mamdani won’t take office until January. But for months, his face has been splashed across Americans’ television screens and news feeds. He’s the mayor-elect of New York. Will he also be America’s mayor? USA TODAY National Correspondent Michael Collins joins The Excerpt to explain.

* This episode referred to Mamdani's generation incorrectly. He is part of Gen Y not Gen Z.

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How SNAP became a political pawn in the government shutdown Nov 04, 2025

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — or SNAP — feeds 42 million Americans. But during the ongoing government shutdown, it’s been caught in the political crossfire. USA TODAY Senior National Reporter Sarah D. Wire explains how states are scrambling to keep benefits flowing, what the Trump administration’s new work rules mean for recipients and how food banks are bracing for a surge in demand.

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Thoughts on America's 250th birthday Nov 03, 2025

On July 4th 2026, America will celebrate its 250th birthday. The United States is the world’s oldest and still-evolving experiment in democracy. From a political perspective, how have the last 250 years shaped the way this nation governs itself? And how have we, the governed, evolved in how we see ourselves? USA TODAY Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page, a journalist who has had the privilege of interviewing ten presidents out of a total of just 45 over the course of her career, joins The Excerpt to share her thoughts on this noteworthy occasion.

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Love gore and horror, the dark and scary? There’s a scientific reason why. Oct 31, 2025

True crime, horror movies, even haunted houses — psychologist Coltan Scrivner says they all tap into a survival instinct. He explains how morbid curiosity evolved to help humans face threats and why those drawn to darkness might be more compassionate than we think.

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At 28, Malala Yousafzai is finally finding her way Oct 30, 2025

At 28, Malala Yousafzai’s life so far has been anything but ordinary. When she was just 15, she was shot by the Taliban on her way to school, targeted for advocating for girls’ rights to education. At 17, she became the youngest person ever to win the Nobel Peace Prize, opening schools and speaking around the world with the Malala Fund. Now Malala is sharing a different side of herself in a new memoir, “Finding My Way.” USA TODAY Books Editor Clare Mulroy sat down with Malala to talk about her new memoir and how she feels about embracing her more ordinary self.

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Government shutdown enters week five with no end in sight Oct 29, 2025

It has been 29 days since the federal government entered a shutdown, now just a week away from this becoming the longest government shutdown in US history. As the government has ground to a halt, millions of Americans face financial uncertainty while essential services tied to food assistance, heating, and healthcare hang in the balance. What will it take to reopen the government? USA TODAY Congress Reporter Zach Schermele joins The Excerpt to break down where we are with it all.

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Is the AI boom fueling the next stock market bubble? Oct 28, 2025

The stock market is surging again, led by a handful of tech giants betting big on artificial intelligence. But is this genuine growth or déjà vu from the dot-com era? USA TODAY personal finance reporter Daniel de Visé joins host Dana Taylor to examine what’s driving record highs on Wall Street, why the “Magnificent Seven” stocks wield so much influence, and what warning signs analysts are watching. From inflated valuations to money-market hedges, this episode unpacks whether AI optimism is fueling the next great bubble and how everyday investors can prepare.

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The NBA is reeling from an explosive gambling scandal Oct 27, 2025

What do you get when you mix the NBA with the Italian mafia and then add in some poker? Perhaps one of the most explosive gambling scandals the sports world has ever seen. Over thirty people have now been indicted according to U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella, Jr. as part of two investigations known as Operation Royal Flush and Operation Nothing But Net. Beginning as early as 2019, defendants in the case are accused of using wireless cheating technology to run rigged poker games in places like the Hamptons, Miami, Las Vegas and Manhattan. How did defendants allegedly pull it off? USA TODAY Sports Reporter Mark Giannotto joins The Excerpt to unpack this muti-layered story.

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Adult sleepaway camp and the high cost of feeling like a kid again Oct 24, 2025

Who doesn’t like a weekend getaway? A nice hotel room, spa treatments, room service, sure – but a cabin with strangers? Adult sleepaway camps are having a moment, but what’s driving the boom? These retreats promise connection in a time when many adults feel lonelier than ever. Are adult sleepaway camps a good way to make genuine connections or are they just a bit of fun? USA TODAY Mental Health reporting fellow Rachel Hale packed a bag and set off for luxury camp Camp Social, where the tagline is “99% arrive solo, 100% leave as friends.” She joins USA TODAY’s The Excerpt to share her experience as an adult camper.

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Will changes to the H-1B visa program preserve jobs for Americans? Oct 23, 2025

The H-1B visa program — a key pipeline for skilled foreign workers in tech — has recently been upended by President Donald Trump. A recent executive order now mandates that companies to pay $100,000 per application, a move the White House says will protect American jobs.

But critics warn it could shrink the talent pool, raise costs and push innovation overseas. So what’s really changed, who benefits the most and how might this impact the economy? Daniel Costa, director of immigration law and policy research at the Economic Policy Institute, joins The Excerpt to unpack the issues.

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Why do US students continue to fall behind in reading and math? Oct 22, 2025

America’s high school seniors are falling behind. The decline in math and reading scores is more than a statistic. It’s a warning sign about our future. If the next generation is leaving high school and stepping into adulthood with fewer core educational skills than the generation before, where does that leave them as they try to compete at colleges and universities, and in the workforce? And where does it leave the nation when it comes to our global competitiveness? Martin West, Academic Dean at Harvard Graduate School of Education, joins USA TODAY’s The Excerpt to dig into the Nation’s Report Card.

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WNBA hits a new peak, but money is still a sticking point Oct 21, 2025

As the contract deadline of October 31st approaches, negotiations are at a standstill, and players and fans alike are contemplating the very real possibility of no 2026 season. What are the big sticking points and how might players pivot? USA TODAY Sports Columnist Nancy Armour and USA TODAY's National Women's Sports Reporter Cydney Henderson join USA TODAY’s The Excerpt to dig into all of it.

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California Prop 50 voting underway. Will the decision neutralize Texas redistricting? Oct 20, 2025

California voters are already casting ballots in what is likely the most important contest of 2025, one that will play a substantial role in deciding which party controls the U.S. House for the last two years of President Donald Trump's time in office. Many voters are frustrated, angry and wanting to push back against President Trump or Governor Gavin Newsom − from the rural, Republican North State to liberal enclaves along California's coast − with just weeks to go before the consequential November 4 election. USA TODAY Senior National Reporter Sarah D. Wire joins USA TODAY’s The Excerpt to dig into what this special election means, not just for California, but for the country.

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John Bolton indicted Oct 17, 2025

USA TODAY Justice Department Correspondent Aysha Bagchi breaks down the indictment of Trump critic and ex-National Security Adviser John Bolton in a documents investigation.

A federal appeals court won’t allow President Donald Trump to deploy troops to Illinois as part of his recent crackdown. Plus, a Chicago judge orders ICE to wear body cams.

USA TODAY Domestic Security Correspondent Josh Meyer tells us why a judge blasted the Federal Emergency Management Agency and Department of Homeland Security.

Trump unveils a new plan to expand access to IVF.

The MLB Postseason rolls on.

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SPECIAL | Is Trump's deployment of the National Guard about order or overreach? Oct 16, 2025

Since June of 2025, thousands of National Guard troops have been deployed to four US cities – Los Angeles, Washington D.C., Chicago and Memphis. And, if President Donald Trump has his way, Portland, Oregon, will be fifth on the list. Trump says the deployments are a push to crack down on crime and to support his widespread deportation efforts. But when a president deploys the National Guard over the objections of governors and local mayors, is the decision about keeping the peace, or testing the limits of executive power? USA TODAY Breaking News Reporter Michael Loria joins USA TODAY’s The Excerpt to unpack the issues surrounding this unprecedented deployment of US troops on American soil.

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Voting Rights Act threatened in Supreme Court redistricting case Oct 16, 2025

USA TODAY Supreme Court Correspondent Maureen Groppe discusses what's at stake in a major redistricting case.

President Donald Trump says he's considering strikes on land to combat Venezuelan drug cartels. Plus, the Trump administration has authorized the Central Intelligence Agency to conduct covert action in Venezuela.

A judge temporarily halts Trump shutdown layoffs.

USA TODAY National Security & World Affairs Reporter Cybele Mayes-Osterman tells us about military families waiting for a paycheck during the government shutdown.

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SPECIAL | Why Americans are making homegrown GLP-1s Oct 15, 2025

High costs. Limited supply. No insurance coverage. All of these are motivating some patients to cook up unregulated “gray GLP-1” drugs at home. Health experts are worried. Why are people willing to risk injecting homemade drugs in an unregulated, non-sterile medical environment and what needs to change before access and safety improve? USA TODAY Wellness Reporter Nicole Fallert joins The Excerpt to share her reporting on this alarming trend.

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Another Senate vote fails as the shutdown rolls on Oct 15, 2025

The federal government’s partial shutdown has reached its 15th day.

President Donald Trump says Hamas will disarm or the U.S. will force them 'perhaps violently.'

USA TODAY White House Correspondent Bart Jansen recaps the move to award the late Charlie Kirk the Medal of Freedom.

The Supreme Court rejects Alex Jones' appeal of a $1.4 billion Sandy Hook judgment.

USA TODAY Senior National Political Correspondent Sarah D. Wire tells us what to expect from this weekend's 'No Kings' protests.

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A triumphant Trump basks in Mideast praise Oct 14, 2025

USA TODAY Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page puts President Donald Trump's role in recent Israel-Hamas peace proceedings in context.

USA TODAY Congressional Reporter Zach Schermele has the government shutdown latest, as the Education Department lays off roughly 20% of its workforce.

The collapse of coral reefs has driven the world across its first climate tipping point.

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All remaining living Israeli hostages released Oct 13, 2025

All remaining living Israeli hostages have been released, while some 2,000 detained Palestinians are released. Plus, President Donald Trump speaks to Israel's Parliament.

USA TODAY Money and Personal Finance Reporter Medora Lee takes a look at recessions on the state level.

Little progress emerges toward getting out of a government shutdown.

USA TODAY Domestic Security Correspondent Josh Meyer gives us some of the historical context behind the Insurrection Act.

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MrBeast is hugely successful on YouTube, but with ECU, not so much Oct 12, 2025

If you spend any time on YouTube, and most of us do, then you’ve probably watched or at least heard of MrBeast. Last check, he had 444 million subscribers with videos that routinely get hundreds of millions of views. MrBeast is literally at the top of the YouTube food chain. But off platform, one of his ventures appears to have stalled out. In 2022, he announced a partnership with East Carolina University to offer a credentialing program to help teach students how to create captivating money-making content. So, what happened to it? USA TODAY Investigative Reporter Chris Quintana went looking for answers and joins USA TODAY’s The Excerpt to discuss.

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One family, seven hostages, and the end of a two-year nightmare Oct 11, 2025

USA TODAY National Correspondent Michael Collins tells us about one family's fight to bring hostage loved ones home.

Gazans trek to their ruined homes, as Trump plans a visit to the Middle East amid a ceasefire.

USA TODAY White House Correspondent Joey Garrison breaks down President Donald Trump's mass layoffs of federal workers.

Trump announces an additional 100% tariff on China imports.

19 people are unaccounted for after an explosion at an explosive manufacturing plant in Tennessee.

The Las Vegas Aces are WNBA champions. Where do they rank among the all-time best teams?

The Seattle Mariners win an epic extra innings game to make their first ALCS since 2001.

It's National Coming Out Day.

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New York Attorney General Letitia James indicted Oct 10, 2025

New York Attorney General Letitia James was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of bank fraud and making false statements to a financial institution.

Israeli forces start pulling back from parts of Gaza.

USA TODAY Breaking News Reporter Michael Loria has the latest from Chicago as President Donald Trump's National Guard deployments face legal tests.

The Trump administration airs a video at U.S. airports blaming Democrats for the government shutdown.

USA TODAY Senior Crime Reporter Amanda Lee Myers explains why a Texas court stopped Robert Roberson's execution over questions about shaken baby syndrome. Listen to or watch our conversation with the lead investigator from the case here.

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SPECIAL | Who should decide which books, if any, are banned? Oct 09, 2025

This is banned books week. It’s a week that highlights how a few loud voices have shaped what kinds of books are pulled from school and library shelves. Who gets the final word, not on which books should be read, but on access? And what’s been the impact on those caught in a fight they didn’t start – our teachers and librarians? USA TODAY Books Reporter Clare Mulroy joins USA TODAY’s The Excerpt to discuss the banning of books.

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Hamas and Israel set to sign deal on ceasefire and hostage releases Oct 09, 2025

President Donald Trump says Israel and Hamas have agreed to implement the first phase of a White House peace plan aimed at ending Israel's onslaught in Gaza, and securing the release of hostages.

USA TODAY Breaking News Reporter Michael Loria has the latest from Chicago, where residents say a Trump immigration blitz is upending daily life.

A 29-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the Palisades Fire.

USA TODAY Domestic Security Correspondent Josh Meyer breaks down the case against former FBI Director James Comey, after he pleaded not guilty to making false statements.

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SPECIAL | The politics of shutdown Oct 08, 2025

We’re nearly at the end of day eight of the government shutdown, the first time this has happened since 2018 when President Donald Trump was last in office. Hundreds of thousands of employees who have been deemed non-essential have been furloughed and there’s little movement in Washington toward an agreement that would get the wheels churning again. Some would argue that the gridlock in Washington was already a form of government shutdown with Congress deadlocked and not negotiating on many issues of substance as to how we run this country. Where are with the shutdown and what are the key takeaways so far? USA TODAY White House Reporter Bart Jansen joins The Excerpt to unpack the issues.

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Trump says some furloughed federal workers ‘don’t deserve’ back pay Oct 08, 2025

USA TODAY White House Correspondent Joey Garrison has some of the latest from the federal government shutdown, including the president's controversial remarks about furloughed workers.

Attorney General Pam Bondi is grilled by and insults Democrats in a Senate hearing.

Supreme Court Correspondent Maureen Groppe breaks down oral arguments over Colorado's ban on 'conversion therapy.'

All four divisional series are in action Wednesday in the MLB Postseason.

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National Guard troops in limbo as Trump battles courts over deployments Oct 07, 2025

USA TODAY National Security & World Affairs Reporter Cybele Mayes-Osterman discusses the Trump administration's approach on deploying National Guard troops to U.S. cities.

It's been two years since the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks, and the start of the latest subsequent Israeli onslaught in Gaza.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy says the government shutdown is adding stress to air traffic controllers.

USA TODAY National News Reporter Karissa Waddick takes a look at the Virginia's governor's race and the potential impact of the ongoing shutdown.

The Supreme Court rejects an appeal from Ghislaine Maxwell.

President Trump says Sean 'Diddy' Combs asked him for a pardon.

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Judge blocks National Guard deployment to Portland, Oregon Oct 06, 2025

A federal judge temporarily blocks President Donald Trump from deploying 200 Oregon National Guard troops to Portland, Oregon.

USA TODAY Supreme Court Correspondent Maureen Groppe looks at the upcoming term for the high court.

Trump is warning of 'complete obliteration' if Hamas insists on staying in power in Gaza.

USA TODAY Government Accountability Reporter Erin Mansfield talks about the Trump administration's push for control over agencies like the FCC.

In this month's edition of Kind Time, hear about a tiny goat who was given a chance to thrive - with the help of a couple of sheepdogs. For more, visit USA TODAY's Humankind.

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Peace hangs in the balance as the second anniversary of 10-7 nears Oct 05, 2025

It’s been two years since the October 7th attacks on Israel. On that day in 2023, Hamas fighters killed 1,200 people and took hundreds hostage. In response, Israel unleashed a military campaign that has brought death and devastation to Gaza. Now President Trump, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by his side, has unveiled a 20-point plan he says will bring a lasting peace to the region. On Oct. 3, Hamas said it agrees to release all Israeli hostages, alive or dead, under the terms of Trump's plan and signalled readiness to immediately enter mediated negotiations to discuss the details. Michael Oren, a former Israeli ambassador to the U.S. and a military historian joins The Excerpt with my colleague USA TODAY Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page to discuss the new peace plan.

* Note: This conversation was recorded on October 1, 2025.

Episode transcript available here.

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Trump tells Israel to stop bombing Gaza after Hamas accepts portion of his peace plan Oct 04, 2025

President Donald Trump is calling on Israel to stop its Gaza bombing campaign to secure the safe extraction of remaining hostages, after Hamas agreed to portions of his peace plan.

USA TODAY White House Correspondent Bart Jansen has the latest as lawmakers fail to get out of a government shutdown.

The shutdown is delaying a key jobs report.

USA TODAY White House Correspondent Zac Anderson tells us about Trump's move to freeze funding for Chicago, amid a broader push to withhold funds from blue cities and states.

Diddy has been sentenced to 50 months in prison.

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SPECIAL | Peanuts turns 75 and still speaks to the child in all of us Oct 03, 2025

For 75 years, Charles Schultz’s Peanuts gang has reflected our humor and hope, as well as our struggle to navigate some of life’s everyday curveballs. How is it that the characters he created so poignantly reflect how we experience other people and the world around us? And why do a ragtag group of comic strip kids who debuted in newspapers in 1950 post-war America, still resonate with children and adults around the world? Andrew Blauner, author of “THE PEANUTS PAPERS: Writers and Cartoonists on Charlie Brown, Snoopy & the Gang, and the Meaning of Life,” sat down with USA TODAY’s The Excerpt to discuss the 75th anniversary of the Peanuts gang and its enduring impact.

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Trump approval ratings historically low compared to other presidents Oct 03, 2025

President Donald Trump's approval ratings are historically low compared to other presidents, but have mostly plateaued in recent months.

USA TODAY First Amendment Reporter BrieAnna Frank breaks down a ruling against the Trump administration that found Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem misused their authority to target non-citizen pro-Palestinians for deportation.

The White House is encouraging leaders at nine universities to sign a compact committing their schools to adopt President Donald Trump's policy agenda for higher education in exchange for preferential access to federal funds.

The Pentagon tells Congress Trump has determined the U.S. is in 'armed conflict' with cartels.

USA TODAY National Music Writer Melissa Ruggieri chats about Taylor Swift's new album - "The Life of a Showgirl" - out today.

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SPECIAL | Charlamagne tha God emerges as a political force Oct 02, 2025

Once known simply as a gossip guru, Charlamagne tha God – who reaches over 7 million monthly “Club” listeners – still gets "the tea.” USA TODAY Politics Reporter Jay Stahl joins The Excerpt to share excerpts from his sit-down with the political influencer.

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Lawmakers point fingers as the reality of a shutdown sinks in Oct 02, 2025

USA TODAY White House Correspondent Francesca Chambers takes a look at how the federal government shutdown is playing out politically, and gives us some insight into how Americans are being impacted.

FBI Director Kash Patel says he won't partner with the Anti-Defamation League over a James Comey link.

USA TODAY White House Correspondent Bart Jansen explains how concerns over tariffs might loom over 2026 races.

We remember Jane Goodall.

Jews observe Yom Kippur.

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SPECIAL | Jimmy Kimmel's right to free speech is not up for debate Oct 01, 2025

In the wake of the controversy surrounding Jimmy Kimmel's week-long suspension from "Jimmy Kimmel Live," FCC Chairman Brendan Carr issued a not-so-veiled threat on a podcast saying "we can do this the easy way or we can do this the hard way." David Inserra, a senior fellow at the Cato Institute and an expert on First Amendment issues, joins The Excerpt to talk through the First Amendment and where the Constitutional line is for those in power.

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A government shutdown begins. What's next? Oct 01, 2025

The federal government shut down at midnight. USA TODAY Senior National Political Correspondent Sarah D. Wire gives us a better sense of one of the key issues at play - a fight over extending insurance subsidies.

A judge rules President Donald Trump's deportation moves against pro-Palestinian students are unconstitutional.

USA TODAY National Security & World Affairs Reporter Cybele Mayes-Osterman recaps a controversial meeting of top military commanders in Virginia.

President Trump announces a deal with Pfizer to lower drug prices.

The MLB Playoffs are underway.

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Trump and Netanyahu agree to a peace plan Sep 30, 2025

President Donald Trump said he and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have reached a deal for peace in Gaza. But how do leaders in the enclave see the deal? USA TODAY White House Correspondent Francesca Chambers has the latest.

Several people - including U.S. citizens - are seeking millions in damages after violent ICE arrests.

USA TODAY Congressional Reporter Zach Schermele has the latest as the clock ticks toward a government shutdown.

Ghislaine Maxwell's appeal is being considered at the Supreme Court.

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FBI probing Michigan church shooting as 'targeted violence' Sep 29, 2025

An assailant killed at least four people at a Michigan church during Sunday service. Plus, a suspect has been charged in a Saturday shooting in North Carolina.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will visit Washington Monday.

USA TODAY National Correspondent Trevor Hughes discusses how some who grew up under authoritarian regimes are worried about what's happening stateside.

The FBI has fired agents who were photographed kneeling with protesters during 2020 racial justice protests.

USA TODAY Senior Reporter Jessica Guynn tells us about Costco - and other retail - superfans.

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With Comey's indictment, has the DOJ been weaponized? Sep 28, 2025

Former FBI Director James Comey has now been indicted. Who might be next? Is the Trump administration now weaponizing the Department of Justice in order to seek retribution from his political foes? USA TODAY Chief Political Correspondent Phillip M. Bailey joins The Excerpt to dig into this explosive story.

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Victims shot by sniper at Dallas ICE facility identified Sep 27, 2025

Victim detainees shot by a sniper at a Dallas ICE facility have been identified.

USA TODAY White House Correspondent Zac Anderson takes a look at the Epstein documents released this week by Democrats on the House Oversight Committee.

The Supreme Court Friday said President Donald Trump, for now, doesn’t have to spend billions in foreign aid approved by Congress.

USA TODAY Government Accountability Reporter Erin Mansfield breaks down the Department of Justice lawsuits involving six states over voter rolls.

Golf's Ryder Cup rolls on after a rough start for Team USA.

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Former FBI Director James Comey indicted on charges sought by Trump Justice Department Sep 26, 2025

Former FBI Director James Comey has been indicted.

USA TODAY National Correspondent Rick Jervis has the latest from Dallas after this week's shooting at an ICE facility.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth orders about 800 senior military leaders stationed around the world to come to a last-minute meeting in the U.S.

USA TODAY Congressional Reporter Zach Schermele takes a look at the White House's threat of mass firings as the clock ticks on avoiding a government shutdown.

A top Justice Department official reportedly directed several federal prosecutor offices to investigate George Soros' Open Society Foundations network.

Amazon will refund millions of Prime customers in a $2.5 billion FTC settlement.

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SPECIAL | How Pac-Man ate his way into gaming history Sep 25, 2025

In 1980, the world of arcade games got a jolt that changed the gaming world forever. That’s when a round yellow fellow with a large set of chompers known as Pac-Man first came on the scene. It’s now been 45 years since the game was first imported to the US from Japan as PuckMan, a name that was quickly changed. It’s interesting to note that, in the original game, the few players who completed all levels simply landed on a garbled “kill screen.” How is it that a game with no defined way to even “win” managed to take hold and never let go? Chris Morris, an independent journalist and editor who specializes in the video game and consumer electronics industries, joins USA TODAY’s The Excerpt to discuss the outsized cultural impact of Pac-Man.

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1 detainee killed, 2 wounded in Dallas ICE facility shooting Sep 25, 2025

A shooter opened fire on a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Dallas on Wednesday, killing one detainee and critically wounding two others.

Prosecutors are set to seek an indictment of former FBI Director James Comey.

USA TODAY Investigative Reporter Nick Penzenstadler tells us about a new gun training program from an unlikely source.

Middle class Americans aren't feeling the prosperity.

USA TODAY Youth Mental Health Reporter Rachel Hale talks about her visit to a place where children who have lost parents to overdose deaths can go to heal.

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SPECIAL | Commercial space travel is almost here Sep 24, 2025

Living, working, even vacationing off world is no longer a distant concept. We're approaching a time when humans aren't just visitors to outer space, but could become residents. With the International Space Station set to retire by the end of 2030. Private companies are racing to replace it, as space travel and space mining move from science fiction to becoming everyday realities. How do we balance access, ambition and accountability in the next space race? Namrata Goswami, professor of space security at Johns Hopkins University, joins The Excerpt to explore.

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Jimmy Kimmel returns, says he never meant to 'make light of the murder' of Charlie Kirk Sep 24, 2025

Jimmy Kimmel returned to late-night television Tuesday, where he addressed his show's suspension.

USA TODAY White House Correspondent Joey Garrison takes a look at some of the MAGA backlash toward President Donald Trump over free speech concerns.

A 59-year-old man has been found guilty of trying to assassinate Trump last year.

USA TODAY White House Correspondent Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy recaps the president's address to the United Nations General Assembly.

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Trump urges pregnant women to avoid Tylenol citing unproved autism link Sep 23, 2025

USA TODAY Government Accountability Reporter Erin Mansfield breaks down the president's announcement linking autism to Tylenol.

Jimmy Kimmel is returning to late-night television.

The White House denies border czar Tom Homan accepted $50,000 from undercover FBI agents.

USA TODAY White House Correspondent Joey Garrison takes a look at the preliminary deal TikTok has reached to sell its U.S. operations to an American-based investor group.

The MLB Playoffs are almost here, but plenty of races have yet to be decided.

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Mourners celebrate Charlie Kirk Sep 22, 2025

Elected officials, faith leaders, Kirk's colleagues and his loved ones remembered the conservative activist at a service in Arizona Sunday.

Top Democratic leaders in Congress demand a meeting with President Donald Trump as a government shutdown deadline nears.

USA TODAY Senior National Political Correspondent Sarah D. Wire takes a look at how states are preparing as the Trump administration considers closing FEMA.

The United Kingdom, Australia and Canada recognize a Palestinian state, putting the countries at odds with President Trump.

USA TODAY Personal Finance Reporter Daniel de Visé breaks down how much the American Dream really costs.

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Extremist Active Club network uses fitness to recruit its members Sep 21, 2025

US-born extremism is on the rise and spreading beyond our borders. The US-based Active Club network is now taking root across the globe. Active Clubs are one of the latest iterations of extremist groups, blending physical training such as mixed martial arts with fascism. What led to the creation of these clubs that use something as innocuous as fitness as a recruitment tool for teaching hate? Heidi Beirich, Chief Strategy Officer & Co-Founder of the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism, joins USA TODAY’s The Excerpt to discuss her research into the Active Club network.

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Senate votes against government funding bill, raising shutdown prospects Sep 20, 2025

USA TODAY Congressional Reporter Zach Schermele has the latest from Capitol Hill where the possibility of a government shutdown looms.

President Donald Trump has created new immigration fees, including a "gold card" for foreigners to pay $1 million to remain in the country permanently.

The Advisory Committee of Immunization Practices gives new guidance on the MMRV vaccine for young children, while falling short of clear recommendations on eligibility for COVID-19 shots.

USA TODAY National Correspondent Michael Collins talks about some concerns from the right amid efforts to shut down and seek retribution against those who have mocked Charlie Kirk’s death or have been openly critical of his hardline political views.

Charlie Kirk will be remembered Sunday in Arizona.

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Trump suggests FCC should consider revoking TV licenses over negative coverage of him Sep 19, 2025

President Donald Trump says negative coverage of him by television networks should be grounds for the Federal Communications Commission to revoke broadcast licenses.

Tennessean First Amendment Reporter Angele Latham takes a closer look at the conversation about hate speech and free speech.

Late-night hosts and comedians speak out after Jimmy Kimmel's sidelining.

USA TODAY National Immigration Reporter Lauren Villagran breaks down new data about immigrants in solitary confinement.

Clayton Kershaw has announced his retirement after the 2025 season.

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SPECIAL | Why losing trust in expertise threatens democracy Sep 18, 2025

From “follow the science” during COVID to universities accused of activism, the gap between experts and the public is widening. Roger Pielke Jr. explains why expertise doesn’t just mean a PhD, how media silos deepen divides, and why experts must serve all Americans—not just those who share their politics.

* Please note, this interview was recorded on 8/19/25

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Fed announces quarter-point rate cut Sep 18, 2025

USA TODAY Personal Finance Reporter Rachel Barber puts the Federal Reserve's latest rate cut in context.

President Donald Trump will meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer Thursday, when they're expected to mark a $205 billion package of U.S. investment into Britain.

USA TODAY Congressional Reporter Zachary Schermele breaks down dramatic testimony from ousted CDC Director Susan Monarez.

Three law enforcement officers were killed and two were injured in a Pennsylvania shooting.

Jimmy Kimmel's late-night talk show has been suspended indefinitely following the host's comments on the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

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SPECIAL | Could AI-generated art replace human creators? Sep 17, 2025

Generative AI is now widely used to make artwork, music and even film – valuable cultural contributions that used to be exclusively the province of the creative class. Could AI-generated art start displacing human creators? And what about AI’s cultural influence on society writ large? Is AI generated art in the beginning of an artistic revolution or the stuff of a dystopian nightmare? Ramesh Srinivasan, a professor of Information Studies at UCLA, director of the UC Center for Global Digital Culture, and host of the Utopias podcast, joins USA TODAY’s The Excerpt to unpack the many ethical and societal issues at play here.

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New revelations in Charlie Kirk murder case as suspect is charged Sep 17, 2025

According to court documents, the 22-year-old had been planning the attack for a week.

USA TODAY Government Accountability Reporter Erin Mansfield discusses how lawmakers grilled FBI Director Kash Patel over the investigation into Kirk's killing.

The man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has state terrorism charges dismissed in court.

The United States will soon announce a buyer for TikTok, according to President Donald Trump.

USA TODAY Movie Critic Brian Truitt talks about the legacy of Robert Redford, who has died at 89.

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Israel launches ground assault in Gaza City Sep 16, 2025

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz posted on X that "Gaza is burning."

USA TODAY White House Reporter Zac Anderson has the latest after President Donald Trump said the U.S. military conducted a second strike on what he described as "violent drug trafficking cartels" from Venezuela.

Trump officials vow a crackdown on left-leaning groups they contend are promoting political violence.

USA TODAY Trending Reporter Greta Cross discusses the apparent framework deal reached between the U.S. and China over the future of TikTok.

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Charlie Kirk remembered in DC vigil; Utah governor says suspect is not cooperating Sep 15, 2025

Utah Governor Spencer Cox gave some of the latest details on the Utah shooter during his appearances on Sunday news shows.

USA TODAY Money Reporter Bailey Schulz breaks down why American farmers are feeling squeezed.

A steady ocean pattern has failed for the first time ever observed.

USA TODAY World Affairs Correspondent Kim Hjelmgaard wonders what's up with the semicolon.

It was one of the most unpredictable Emmy Awards in years.

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Charlie Kirk's assassination matters more than you think Sep 14, 2025

Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed while speaking before thousands at Utah Valley College. His death marks a new and unsettling chapter in America’s history of political violence. From lawmakers targeted in their homes to assassination attempts on presidential candidates, the toll is rising — and the nation is on edge. USA TODAY National Reporter Will Carless joins The Excerpt from Utah to unpack what we know about the Kirk shooting, why attacks on political figures are escalating, and whether the country is entering a dangerous cycle of retaliation and unrest.

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White House mourns the death of Charlie Kirk Sep 13, 2025

USA TODAY White House reporter Francesca Chambers discusses what Charlie Kirk’s death means in this moment for the White House.

A U.S. Marine has been fired over a social media post mocking the assassination of Charlie Kirk.

A fatal shooting in Chicago after ICE agents shot and killed a man during an attempted arrest.

USA TODAY National News reporter Andrea Riquier breaks down how a potential Federal Reserve rate cut, and other pressure points are shaping the economic picture.

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Manhunt continues for Charlie Kirk shooter Sep 12, 2025

Authorities have released new video of the suspected shooter of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

In the aftermath of the shooting, USA TODAY Chief Political Correspondent Philip M. Bailey discusses how Democrats are addressing this fraught political moment.

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was convicted yesterday of plotting a coup.

A federal judge in New York is allowing a lawsuit to move forward against Saudi Arabia over possible involvement in the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Reporter Nancy Cutler of LOHUD.com, part of the USA TODAY network, shares why many of the victims of the 9/11 attacks and first responders continue to battle illnesses.

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SPECIAL | The 'dirtbag' who built Patagonia—and gave it away Sep 11, 2025

Patagonia is worth billions. But founder Yvon Chouinard never wanted the title of billionaire. From his days as a dirtbag climber to his reluctant role as CEO, Chouinard built one of the world’s most influential outdoor brands — then shocked the business world by giving it all away. Author David Gelles whose biography of Chouinard "Dirtbag Billionaire" is out now, joins The Excerpt to talk about Chouinard’s unconventional life, his fight to align business with values, and what his legacy means for capitalism today.

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Conservative influencer Charlie Kirk fatally shot Sep 11, 2025

Conservative activist and Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk was fatally shot at Utah Valley University yesterday.

Poland's military said it shot down Russian drones. USA TODAY Deputy World Editor Dan Morrison discusses the fallout.

A new federal lawsuit accuses FBI Director Kash Patel of illegally firing top bureau officials.

USA TODAY Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page shares her perspective on how the world has changed in the 24 years following the 9-11 terrorist attack.

Actress Polly Holliday, who played the iconic southern waitress Flo in the 1970s sitcom “Alice,” died yesterday at the age of 88.

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SPECIAL | Can sharks help predict hurricanes? Researchers are hoping so. Sep 10, 2025

Accurately forecasting hurricanes has improved over the past few decades with the use of satellites, NOAA’s airborne Hurricane Hunters and numerical weather prediction models. But with warming waters and the potential for an increase in major hurricanes, every bit of data helps. That’s where sharks and their dorsal fins might come in. Researchers are studying sharks to see if they can gather and transmit useful data regarding ocean temperatures. Could sharks, long feared, be poised for an image makeover? Aaron Carlisle, a University of Delaware marine ecologist, who is leading the research initiative joins The Excerpt for a deep dive.

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MAHA report on childhood health is out Sep 10, 2025

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his MAHA Commission release their long-awaited second report on childhood health. USA TODAY White House Correspondent Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy breaks it all down You can also listen to our deep dive on RFK Jr’s contentious Senate hearing from last week here.

Immigration arrests begin in Chicago as President Donald Trump's "Operation Midway Blitz" hits a fever pitch.

Israel launched an unprecedented airstrike in Qatar on Tuesday. USA TODAY Deputy World Editor Dan Morrison joins us to discuss the escalation of Israel's war against Hamas.

The Supreme Court will decide the fate of Donald Trump’s global tariffs.

The White House will host its first UFC fight next summer on the South Lawn.

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A House committee makes Epstein's full “birthday book” public Sep 09, 2025

A slew of documents about Jeffrey Epstein with purported messages from President Trump and President Bill Clinton have been released.

USA TODAY Supreme Court Correspondent Maureen Groppe breaks down the Supreme Court’s decision to lift restrictions on LA immigration stops.

The Department of Homeland Security says it’s launching Operation Midway Blitz in Chicago.

President Donald Trump vows to protect prayer in schools.

USA TODAY Wellness Reporter Rachel Hale tells reports that some parents are treating their kid’s depression with a controversial remedy.

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What keeps Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett up at night? Sep 08, 2025

USA Today Supreme Court Correspondent Maureen Groppe shares highlights from an exclusive interview with the Supreme Court justice.

Hundreds of South Korean workers detained in Georgia are heading back to South Korea soon.

USA TODAY Money Reporter Bailey Schulz breaks down data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showing American moms are leaving the workplace.

A 15-year-old is the first millennial Catholic saint.

A look at the big wins at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards.

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The CDC is in crisis Sep 07, 2025

For Robert F Kennedy Jr, it was never going to be a smooth road as Secretary of Health and Human Services given the controversy surrounding his well-documented vaccine hesitancy. But his stewardship of the agency is now at a crisis point as the nearly 80-year-old CDC, or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, reels from a series of worrying red flags. Is this cornerstone agency created to safekeep American public health crumbling? USA TODAY White House Correspondent Swapna Venugopal joins The Excerpt to share highlights from the hearing and talk about what this might mean for Americans' health.

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A disappointing new jobs report reveals a slowdown in U.S. hiring Sep 06, 2025

USA TODAY Money Reporter Bailey Schulz breaks down the latest disappointing jobs report.

President Donald Trump says Americans should take vaccines that are “not controversial.”

USA TODAY National Security Reporter Cybele Mayes-Osterman tells us about the change in Army recruitment.

President Donald Trump has changed the name of the Department of Defense.

The Powerball jackpot hits its second-highest jackpot in history, at an estimated $1.8 billion.

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RFK Jr. says he doesn't know how many Americans died from COVID as he's grilled at hearing Sep 05, 2025

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was grilled during an explosive hearing Thursday.

USA TODAY National Correspondent Chris Kenning discusses what Medicaid cuts mean for parts of the Appalachian U.S.

USA TODAY First Amendment Reporting Fellow BrieAnna Frank takes a look at how 'South Park' is satirizing President Donald Trump, and what the First Amendment has to say.

Giorgio Armani has died at 91.

The NFL is back!

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SPECIAL | Ultrapotent nitazenes present a new front in the opioid battle Sep 04, 2025

Picture this, a powerful synthetic opioid that quietly morphs into one of the nation’s most lethal drug crises. A drug that can be slipped undetected into heroin, counterfeit pills...the nation’s bloodstream. You’ve seen and may have even been touched by the devastating impact of fentanyl. And now, a different class of ultrapotent synthetic opioids called nitazenes are following an eerily familiar path. Just how dangerous are these drugs and where are they coming from? Dr. Gregory McDonald, chair of the Department of Forensic Medicine and Pathology at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, joins USA TODAY’s The Excerpt to unpack those questions and more.

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Epstein victims speak as pressure grows to release files Sep 04, 2025

USA TODAY Domestic Security Correspondent Josh Meyer takes a look at Wednesday comments from Epstein victims, as they push for the release of more records.

President Donald Trump responds to this week's military parade in China.

USA TODAY National Immigration Reporter Lauren Villagran explains how the Trump administration plans to expand ICE detention into the notorious Angola prison.

More than 1,000 HHS workers demand RFK Jr. resigns.

A judge rules the Trump administration unlawfully cut Harvard's funding.

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SPECIAL | Young lonely men are turning to the manosphere for help Sep 03, 2025

America’s young men are lost. At least, that’s what they’re telling us online. From feeling disconnected in school, relationships, and even purpose, to loneliness, our nation’s boys are turning to the internet for answers and guidance. And that’s where they find the “manosphere”: a world of influencers promoting strength, stoicism… and often, misogyny. “Extremely Normal," a new investigative series by USA TODAY’s National Correspondent Will Carless examines how extremist and fringe ideas and movements have moved into America’s mainstream. He joins us on USA TODAY’s The Excerpt to dive into one part of “Extremely Normal”: The “manosphere.” What is it and how can it devolve from ideas about fitness and discipline into something darker? Will stepped into the manosphere space to see what teenage boys and young men in their 20s are consuming online – and to understand how it’s shaping their world view.

You can watch Will's full video on this topic here.

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Episode transcript available here.

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US appeals court rejects Trump's use of Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelans Sep 03, 2025

An appeals court has rejected President Donald Trump's use of the Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelans.

Military strikes killed 11 on an alleged 'drug vessel' from Venezuela.

USA TODAY White House Correspondent Bart Jansen breaks down a judge's move blocking President Trump's deployment of the National Guard in California. Plus, Illinois responds to Trump's troop plans.

The House Oversight Committee released thousands of pages of documents from the government's investigation of Jeffrey Epstein.

USA TODAY First Amendment Reporting Fellow BrieAnna Frank talks about her reporting trips to Smithsonian museums amid Trump criticisms that they're too woke.

*This audio was corrected to reflect that the National Museum of African American History and Culture opened in 2016.

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What is Congress focused on now that it's back in session? Sep 02, 2025

USA TODAY's Zachary Schermele takes a look at some of the major looming issues as lawmakers return from an August recess.

China's President Xi Jinping convened the leaders of Russia and North Korea Tuesday.

Former CDC directors say Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s health actions should alarm every American.

USA TODAY Supreme Court Correspondent Maureen Groppe discusses what the high court might consider in a case centered on whether vanity license plates are protected speech.

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Federal judge halts deportation of unaccompanied Guatemalan children Sep 01, 2025

A judge Sunday issued a restraining order blocking the Trump administration from deporting 10 unaccompanied migrant Guatemalan children.

President Donald Trump says he will sign an executive order mandating a voter ID requirement.

USA TODAY Government Accountability Reporter Erin Mansfield talks about the popularity of mail-in voting, even as Trump wants to eliminate it.

At least hundreds are dead after a devastating earthquake in Afghanistan.

USA TODAY Personal Finance Reporter Daniel de Visé looks back on a 2010 pledge by billionaires to give away half their wealth. Are they actually doing it?

It's Kind Time! Hear about a golden retriever with a heart of an angel, and her military veteran owner Kevin. Plus, find more from USA TODAY's HumanKind here.

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Twenty years after Katrina, New Orleans' Preservation Hall is thriving Aug 31, 2025

Twenty years after Hurricane Katrina decimated New Orleans, the landmark musical venue of Preservation Hall is once again the center of the city's lively community of musicians. Ben Jaffe, its creative director, shared his story of resilience and hope with USA TODAY National Correspondent Rick Jervis.

Please let us know what you think of this episode by sending a note to podcasts@usatoday.com.

Episode transcript available here.

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Most Trump tariffs are illegal, appeals court rules Aug 30, 2025

A divided U.S. appeals court ruled Friday that most of President Donald Trump's tariffs are illegal.

USA TODAY's Zach Schermele discusses the conversation over whether taxpayer money should be used for private schools' safety.

The Trump administration is making plans for an immigration crackdown in Chicago as soon as next week.

USA TODAY Money Reporter Bailey Schulz breaks down what economists are saying about possible Fed rate cuts.

It's a big weekend for college football!

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Families remember children slain, wounded in Minnesota shooting Aug 29, 2025

Families remembered 8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski the day after this week's Minneapolis shooting.

USA TODAY Washington Bureau Chief Susan Page talks about lessons from Hurricane Katrina 20 years later.

Thousands settled elsewhere after Katrina hit New Orleans. See a map here.

USA TODAY Reporter Andrea Riquier discusses how Katrina became 'the storm that told us what was to come' for climate and insurance.

This week's immigration arrests of firefighters renewed debate about White House priorities.

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SPECIAL | Takeaways from USA TODAY’s exclusive sit-down with Vice President JD Vance Aug 28, 2025

The vice president sat down with USA TODAY White House Correspondent Francesca Chambers to share his thoughts on issues both controversial (the firing of Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, the deployment of National Guard troops to American cities, the contentious White House meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy back in February) and mundane (President Donald Trump’s new White House décor and the engagement of Travis Kelce to superstar Taylor Swift) in this wide-ranging conversation. Francesca joins The Excerpt to share her takeaways and a few choice clips from the vice president.

You can watch the full interview with Vice President JD Vance here.

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Podcast transcript available here.

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Vance says Trump doesn't want long-term occupation of American cities Aug 28, 2025

Vice President JD Vance sat down with USA TODAY for an exclusive interview Wednesday.

Two children were killed in a Minneapolis church shooting.

USA TODAY World Affairs Correspondent Kim Hjelmgaard discusses reports in Denmark about U.S. covert operations in Greenland.

The White House fired CDC Director Susan Monarez after she refused to quit in a dispute with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The Social Security Administration's chief data officer said in a whistleblower complaint that DOGE put Social Security data of millions of Americans at risk.

USA TODAY Senior Reporter Jessica Guynn talks about how some employees are defying return to office mandates.

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SPECIAL | What science says about what makes something cool Aug 27, 2025

Is coolness just a vibe—or something deeper? A new global study spanning 12 countries finds surprising common traits that define who we see as cool. Turns out, it’s not about rebellion or being aloof. University of Arizona professor Caleb Warren, co-author of "Cool People," breaks down the six qualities that consistently make someone cool worldwide—and why being cool doesn’t always mean being good. He also explains how social media reshapes our perception of cool, and what the rise of coolness as a status symbol reveals about modern values.

Let us know what you think of this episode by sending an email to podcasts@usatoday.com.

Episode transcript available here.

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Trump said he fired a Fed governor. What's next? Aug 27, 2025

USA TODAY White House Correspondent Bart Jansen puts President Donald Trump's announced firing of Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook in context, and explains what it might mean for his influence on the Fed.

The president calls for the death penalty for anyone charged with killing someone in Washington, DC.

Trump's doubling of tariffs on Indian imports takes effect.

USA TODAY Consumer Travel Reporter Zach Wichter gives some tips and tricks for flying internationally with pets, in this week's Cruising Altitude column.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are engaged.

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Judge temporarily blocks Kilmar Abrego Garcia's deportation Aug 26, 2025

A judge Monday temporarily blocked Kilmar Abrego Garcia's deportation.

USA TODAY White House Correspondent Bart Jansen breaks down President Donald Trump's Monday executive orders on flag burning, and separately - requiring criminal suspects to pay cash bonds.

FEMA staff told Congress that inexperience of Trump officials risks a Katrina-style disaster.

USA TODAY's Zachary Schermele discusses why back-to-school looks so different this year.

The Women's Professional Baseball League is nearly here. Plus, hear our special Deep Dive episode about the league from earlier this year.

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